Congratulations to Casey Cadmore, Languages Learning Area Leader at St Joseph’s College, Mildura who received a grant from the Modern Languages Teachers Association of Victoria (MLTAV) to attend the AFMLTA Languages Conference in Perth in July, both as a representative of her school and MLTAV.  Casey enjoyed a comprehensive professional learning program focused on best practice in languages education (both in Australia and internationally), and excellent networking opportunities with language specialists from across Australia.

Casey noted that one of the most thought provoking items during the conference occurred during the keynote address by Joanna McPake, a Reader in Education at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. Her discourse focused on planning and implementing language education policy for the next generation, noting that language learners have resilience and analytical thinking, two of the 2023 key skills for workers, as recently identified by the World Economic Forum.

Casey also enjoyed a conference dinner presentation by Louka Parry, who is an educator and speaks five languages, including the Pitjantjatjara language. A quote that resonated with Casey during the conference was “the question is not why learn a language?” but “why haven’t you?” This incredible professional learning opportunity has re-ignited Casey’s passion for Languages education and her “cup is now full” after connecting with so many Languages educators. Casey thanked both her school and the MLTAV for enabling this experience to occur.

Casey (pictured back middle) with new-found colleagues at the AFMLTA conference